WBO light heavyweight world champion Jürgen Brähmer (35-2, 28 KOs) defends his title for the second time on Saturday in Hamburg against #8 rated Mariano Nicolas Plotinsky (16-3, 8 KOs). The run up to this fight has been unusual for both fighters. Plotinsky arrived three days late because of the Icelandic volcano. Brähmer’s car caught fire and burnt up on Wednesday. “It was no big deal,” explained Brähmer. “I had gone back to Schwerin to get still some clothes and my mouthpiece for Saturday. Suddenly there was a weird smell so I stopped and immediately extinguished the flames. When the fire department arrived, everything was already over. My clothes smelled like smoke, but otherwise nothing happened. My girlfriend picked me up. In the evening we went back to the hotel in Hamburg. At least now I know what I’ll do after my career. I’ll be a fireman. Everyone praised me and told me what I did was exemplary. I should given a few autographs.”

Photos: Universum Box-Promotion

Universum Box-Promotion

Universum Box-Promotion

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Does this impact the fight?

“No, not at all. Nothing happened. Even with Mariano, I see no problems. He’s a tough guy and won’t let something like this bother him. He’ll be in top shape on Saturday in the ring. I can’t underestimate opponents. You have to take every opponent 100% seriously. At the top everyone is dangerous, as we saw the last fight in December.”

How do you rate your opponent Plotinsky?

He’s awkward to box. South Americans are always tough guys. Thomas Ulrich is no slouch and he beat him. But I’ll take on anyone and I’ll keep my title.

Susi Kentikian’s fight is in ZDF’s live TV fight and not pre-recorded, what do you think about that?

I’m happy for Susi. This is a huge opportunity for her, which she has worked hard for. We know each other well from the gym. For me personally, of course it makes me angry. I was surprised by ZDF’s decision. I’ve been a “live” fighter for a long time, now I find myself bumped without due process. Sure there was a verdict, but I’m not convicted. There are other TV networks who are interested in me. My lawyers and even the prosecutor himself wants to appeal. The district courts are overloaded. You can assume that this will take three to six years until the process is ramped up again and completed. By then I won’t even be able to box. I still would have liked to get this on the table quickly because during this process some atrocious things happened. But everything will be cleared up.